Young Clemson QBs making their mark

The stats have been few and far between. The analysis has been a bit vague at times, both by player and coach.

We’re not talking spring football in general, no, it’s Clemson’s mid-year QBs and their spring through a number of practices and a couple scrimmages.

The second scrimmage brought such nuggets as Tucker Israel, completing a 38-yard pass and Kelly Bryant reeling off a pair of 11-yard runs.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Israel improved scrimmage to scrimmage.

“They both did some good things,” Swinney said. “I think Tucker had maybe his best day. I think he had a much better day than his first scrimmage. And Kelly, I didn’t really see anything negative. Made some plays with his legs. He’s a naturally gifted guy and a problem for defenses. Even when things break down, there’s a chance for something – something big to happen with him.

“They both did OK.”

Tigers co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said he’s not ready to declare a frontrunner between the two, who split the snaps mid-tempo-drill in front of the media earlier in the week.

“You look at the whole body of work and see where those guys are,” he said. “Those guys are different. They add different elements to the game. Kelly made some plays and Tucker made some plays, and they also made some freshman mistakes.”

Israel owns a slew of Florida state passing records, regarded as a three-star prospect likely because of his height (5-foot-11, 190 pounds). Nearly a half-foot taller, Bryant (6-4, 205) was an S.C. Mr. Football finalist after accounting for over 4,000 yards and 55 scores last season.

Competing to keep the duo on the bench come 2015, junior Nick Schuessler has plenty of praise for the young guns.

“They both do a great job of paying attention in the meetings,” Schuessler said. “Coach (Brandon) Streeter does a great job rehashing the offense for them. Tucker – he’s a funny guy. He probably asks the most questions.

“They both look great. It’s amazing to see how much both of them have understood. Taking in the offense, just being here since January. They both come out here and have great scrimmages with the exception of mistakes every freshman and we are all making.

“It’s great to see them playing at the level they’re playing.”

This story was originally published April 4, 2015 at 11:57 PM with the headline "Young Clemson QBs making their mark."